Reversible Dimensional Programming of Covalent Organic Frameworks
Zifan Li1, Zhibin Zhang1,2, Yunhai Liu1,3
1National Key Laboratory of Uranium Resources Exploration-Mining and Nuclear Remote Sensing, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330013, P.R. China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|January 16, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to control the dimensionality of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). This technique allows for reversible dimensional programming, enhancing their efficiency in uranium extraction.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
Background:
- Dimensionality is crucial for covalent organic frameworks' (COFs) properties, but precise control is challenging.
- Existing methods for COF dimensional manipulation are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel strategy for reversible dimensional programming of COFs.
- To explore the synthesis of lower-dimensional COFs with enhanced functionalities.
Main Methods:
- A reversible coordination-directed clip-off chemistry strategy was employed.
- COFs with coordinative Ag-N bonds were used as templates for structural transformation.
- Selective cleavage of Ag-N linkages facilitated dimensional reduction.
Main Results:
- A 3D COF was successfully converted into a 1.5-dimensional (1.5D) COF.
- The dimensional tailoring was fully reversible upon reintroduction of Ag(I).
- The derived lower-dimensional COFs showed improved efficiency in uranium extraction.
Conclusions:
- The developed strategy enables precise and reversible control over COF dimensionality.
- Lower-dimensional COFs exhibit enhanced performance in critical applications like uranium extraction.
- This work opens new avenues for designing functional materials with tailored dimensions.
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